Plans to open Paisley hub as Olden Goldies focus on boosting social interaction

Plans to open a hub in Paisley where older people can go for a chat and some coffee and cake have been submitted to Renfrewshire Council.

Barbara Davey, who runs companion service Olden Goldies, has applied for planning permission for the project in the town's Well Street.

The aim is to transform the unit into a "warm and comfortable" café environment with space for craft workshops and other entertainment.

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The facility would also offer a menu which would be available to the public at limited times during the day for consumption both on and off the premises.

A statement submitted with the application explained: "Olden Goldies is a companion service for the elderly which provides much-needed companionship within the community and a lifeline to older people who for all sorts of reasons are lonely, have lost their confidence to go out alone and just need a friend they can trust.

"One of the key activities that the olden goldies love is going out for 'coffee and cake' which is when the biggest change is seen in their mood. Some of them are taken out almost every day. However, it’s a repetitive activity which needs to grow to the next level.

"To enhance the value of the service, the need now is for a hub where the companions can take their olden goldies for the social interaction and activity that they are missing and for the all-important 'coffee and cake'. The unit has been acquired for this purpose.

"The intention with the hub is to create a warm and comfortable café/coffee shop-style environment with space included for craft workshops, such as jewellery making, painting and drawing, and other entertainment."

According to the statement, Olden Goldies is a private business and receives no external funding for the services it provides.

As a result, it intends to offer a menu consisting of hot drinks and food, such as toasties, sandwiches, pastries, soup and rolls, which would also be available to the public at certain times of the day. A decision will be made on the application at a later date.

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